Yogurtland

Ever since yogurt became the new starbucks, I have made it my mission to find the best yogurt shop in San Diego. Ladies and gentlemen, Yogurtland is it.

First of all, the self serve beats the behind the counter service any day. No more trying to explain exactly what proportion you want of each flavor. No more fearing you are annoying the lady behind the counter with your never ending requests. Nope. You just get your giant (and I mean giant) cup, and you fill it as little or as much as you want, with as many or few flavors as you want. And don't forget they have free little sample cups, so you can make sure you want it in the cup first.

Second, no one beats the price! At $0.30 an ounce, it is $0.08 cents an ounce cheaper than the closest competitor (Yogurtworld). This adds up. And there is no question that it beats out the behind the counter service again - you just never know if they are actually going to fill your cup for you! I hate it when they leave a big hole in the middle of your yogurt. And of course the toppings just count in the per ounce price, no rip off $1 or $2 additional per topping.

Third, the labels are well marked, easy to read, and accurate. There are at least a dozen flavors of yogurt, and twice as many toppings, including both "dry" and "fresh" toppings. The place is really clean, the walls, the tables, the toppings counter, everything.

The plain yogurt is a little sweeter and less yogurty than some of the higher end yogurt places, but it's not a big enough difference that those places can justify their price. And on top of the Yogurtland experience is much more fulfilling.

They have easily accessible nutritional info in the shop, and their website is easy to find and navigate. The sugar content is reasonable, and they contain live and active cultures.

Finally, the decor is awesome, with green subway tiles, and mod furniture. And they are open until midnight!!! Midnight, people! You can get your yogurt fix pretty much any time. Yogurtland is number one.


Yogurtland
855 Garnet Avenue
(between Bayard St & Mission Blvd)
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 581-1700
www.yogurt-land.com/

Hours:
Mon-Thu. 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Fri. 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

IPSB

International Professional School of Bodywork (IPSB) is a massage school located in Pacific Beach. As far as massage goes, it is one of the best values in San Diego. Value means you get good quality for a good price. At IPSB you can choose from either a student or professional masseuse, at a rate of either $45 or $60 for an hour massage.

There any extra amenities at IPSB; there's no spa, no hot tub, no shower, no facials. But you're also not paying for those things. Instead what you get is a good massage from either an experienced student or a full time professional.

They can accommodate massages at the last minute; they often have walk-in appointments available. If you schedule in advance you arrange several massage at the same time for you and friends. They have 10 rooms available.

The waiting room is nice, with classy-hippie decor: lots of fabric and crystal lamps. They have a small area with items for sale, but you aren't overwhelmed by the commercial aspect. They sell tasteful items, mostly massage oils and lotions, with a few imports and crystals.

For the most part, the staff is incredibly friendly. Occasionally there is one woman who works at the front desk who is not friendly or helpful, but I rarely see her. After your massage they have water and tea to hydrate with, and usually small cookies and packets of hot chocolate as well.

One note, and this applies pretty much everywhere, an hour massage doesn't always mean an hour massage. Some places are very clear that you are getting only a 50 minute massage and call it just that, but other places call it an hour and you still get only 50 minutes. At IPSB they call it an hour and it really varies; you will get bet ween 50 and 60 minutes. To maximize your chances of getting that full 60 minutes, be sure to arrive for your appointment 10-15 minutes ahead of time. If you're late you always lose that time (and again this applies anywhere).

IPSB
Massage Training Center
1414 Garnet Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: 858-490-1154
Open Seven days a week.
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
A full hour massage
$45 to $ 60

Dolci Mango

Dolci Mango is a new frozen yogurt shop in Pacific Beach, on Garnet Avenue. I was walking by the other day, actually thinking I would get myself a soft serve ice cream, because it's summer. The cute girls working there convinced me to try a free sample, and the free sample convinced me to get a frozen yogurt instead of an ice cream.

The most amazing thing about Dolci Mango's frozen yogurt is that it really tastes like yogurt. Most frozen yogurt is either bland or super-sweet tasting. This yogurt has a nice creamy tang to it, just like a good yogurt.

They only have two options for flavors of yogurt: plain and green tea. But then they have a whole bar of toppings you can choose from. They have fresh fruit, candy, crunchy stuff like cereal (including Captain Crunch). You pay per topping, or you can get 3 or more for the price of three.

The girls convinced me to get some fresh mango on top, and it was also really good, although the yogurt was so good that I liked it better plain. So I just ate the mango off the top and then ate the plain yogurt.

I will definitely be going back.

UPDATE:
Dolci Mangoe now typically has 4 flavors: Plain, Green Tea, Acai or Pomegranate, and Peanut Butter or Mango. It is true that Dolci Mango has some of the best plain fro-yo in San Diego. However, as reported in other yogurt reviews, it is still not good enough to justify the difference in price. Also, the experience is a let down compared to the self serve locations.

Dolci Mango
1420 Garnet Ave
(between Gresham St & Haines St)
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 483-6265

School of Healing Arts - Massage in PB

The School of Healing Arts Massage School is located on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach. However, it is not to be confused with IPSB, which is also located on Garnet Avenue. The School of Healing Arts is in an upstairs office building.

A massage with a student practitioner is $39. However, I have to say that massage with the students here, in my experience, have been disappointing. They usually seem to want to talk to you and ask you all kinds of questions about you and your life. That's nice and all, but not during a massage. They also seem less sure of themselves than the students at IPSB, and less skilled.

So, if you are looking for a cheap massage, this school can offer it, but be warned that it still might not be worth it. However, if you do want to give them a chance, I can offer the same advice that I offer for any massage.

The secret is good communication; express your concerns before the session starts. Even during massage be sure to speak up if you would like lighter or harder pressure.

Some things to think about if you aren't familiar with massage:
Do you tend to get cold easily? Ask for a blanket.
Do you think you would like stretching during the massage? Yes or no, express this.
Are you stressed out?
Do you have sore muscles or joints?
Do you want your head massaged at the end?
Should the masseus avoid any areas, such as the stomach?

And, in this case: Let them know if you want to have massage without small talk!

School of Healing Arts
1001 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 581-9429
(858) 490-2560
(858) 581-9460

IPSB Massage in PB

The International Professional School of Body Work in Pacific Beach offers massage seven days a week. You can choose either a student ($45) or a professional ($60). You get a full hour of massage (not 50 minutes like most places).

The setting is relaxing and professional. You enter at the front desk, where the receptionist greets you; they are typically friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.

The students are fair to good in their massage skills. I can't remember a bad massage I've ever had at IPSB, but sometimes the students are just mediocre. However, the professionals offer consistently good massage, for just small difference in price.

There are no extra amenities, like shower or spa facilities, but they have necessities for a great massage. There is a lobby, which also sells some massage supplies and even some clothes and crystals and other items. There is also a lounge for discussion after the massage with your practitioner. They have water and tea and cookies.

The practitioners are trained in a variety of styles, and most can offer several different types of massage. The secret is good communication. If you tend to zone out during massage, as I do, then it is key to express your concerns before the session starts. Even during massage be sure to speak up if you would like lighter or harder pressure - even if it means pulling yourself out of a semi-conscious state. Improving the massage is worth waking up for a moment!

Some things to think about if you aren't familiar with massage:
Do you tend to get cold easily? Ask for a blanket.
Do you think you would like stretching during the massage? Yes or no, express this.
Are you stressed out?
Do you have sore muscles or joints?
Do you want your head massaged at the end?
Should the masseuse avoid any areas, such as the stomach?


IPSB Massage Training Center
1414 Garnet Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: 858-490-1154
Open Seven days a week.
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
A full hour massage
$45 to $ 60

Mount Soledad


Mount Soledad is the highest peak of coastal San Diego. Mount Cowles is a little higher, but it's halfway to El Cajon.

Of course you have probably heard of the Mount Soledad cross, it seems to get more attention these days than the park itself.

Still, even in the shadow of the cross and this tedious on-going battle, the park is s beautiful palce to watch the sunrise or sunset, or even to catch some fourth of July fireworks (if you get there early enough). http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

It is a popular desitation for bike riders, riding up the steep hill is a great work out, and riding down is terrible fun.

Mount Soledad is on the highest point in between Pacific Beach and La Jolla.

Kate Sessions Park

On the northern edge of Pacific Beach, as you climb the hill towards Mount Soledad, hides Kate Sessions Park. This park is not that big, but is pleasant and beautiful, with sweeping views of San Diego's downtown, bay, and ocean.

There is a big grassy hill, a path around the edge that measures about half a mile. On the north side there is a children's play area with swings, slides, and monkey bars, as well as fort-like structures and picnic tables. There is a nice flat grassy area there as well, hwere you can almost always find people playing ultimate frisbee.

Behind the park is a maze of trails that are close to home, if you live in PB. The trails are nice, truly off-road trails, hidden away from the neighborhoods that surround them.

Of course, it is always living in the shadow of Mount Soledad, where you can see downtown, the bay, the ocean, and La Jolla.

Kate Sessions Park is on Soledad Road, the entrance about three blocks north of Beryl Street.

Pacific Beach Boardwalk


The Boardwalk in Pacific Beach is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. The entire boardwalk stretches for three miles from Law Street at the north end of Pacific beach, all the way down to the jetty in Mission Beach, just across the channel from Ocean Beach. The boardwalk goes officially by the name "Ocean Boulevard" and many locations actually use that as their address.

Along the entire boardwalk you will find restaurants, shopping, and sunny spots. In Pacific Beach you will find, specifically, new swanky places like the bar, hotel, and restaurant at the end of Felspar. You will also find such standbys as Kono's breakfast joint (@ Garnet), where you get greasy eggs, potatoes, and bacon from early morning to midday. This is right across from the Crystal Pier, and the Crystal Pier Hotel, floating above the water.

Then there is the PB Hostel, where there is always a random mix of travelers, young and old, all looking to get very drunk at any given moment. And of course there is the coffee chop and bakery that is always changing names, but which I will always know as the Mission (just south of Grand). This is a great palce to sip a latte or munch a muffin and watch the passer-bys.

Speaking of which, this is probably the best pastime of the PB boardwalk - people watching. Grab a spot along the seawall, lay out a towel by the volleyball nets, or choose a table or chair at a cafe or restaurant right along the sidewalk, and settle in to watch a wide array of partiers, families, and random people. There is the guy who roller blades in slow motion, the roller blader who wears a speedo decorated for the nearest holiday (although he hasn't been around lately), and all the other funny characters. Enjoy the show!

Vegetarian Thai Restaurant in PB

Ivory Thai Cuisine in Pacific Beach has two locations, one on Garnet and one on Hornblend. Both offer all the usual Thai menu items, like Pad Thai, fresh spring rolls, Tom Yum soup, a variety of curry dishes, a plethora of noodle dishes, and much more. Both are inexpensive and tasty. Though they taste good, the quality of the ingredients is only average: dishes are typically rather oily. The lightest dishes are the soups, and because they feature more Asian vegetables and spices the ingredients seem to be fresher, too.

The locations are small and don't boast much ambiance, but the staff is very friendly and willing to accommodate most requests. They are especially kind to their senior patrons, always helping them into their chairs, etc.

The Hornblend location is soon converting into a vegetarian version of this typical Thai diner. (The Garnet location will retain full meat options). The emphasis will be on lighter, healthier fare, taking a corner standby up a notch. I look forward to trying the new presentation of this local standby. I hope the reincarnation of Thai will also emphasize a higher vegetable to noodle ratio.

Ivory Thai Cuisine
859 Hornblend St
San Diego, CA 92109
http://www.ivorythaicuisine.com/

Café 9-7-6

Café 9-7-6 in Pacific Beach offers much more than just a bite to eat. The menu is extensive, and offers options for vegetarian dining as well as heart healthy choices. Breakfast is served from early morning into the afternoon, as it should be for surfers hitting the daybreak breakers or for the rest of us on our lazy beach days. The breakfast menu is pretty normal: eggs, bagels, burritos, waffles, French toast, bowls. There are some local influences here giving props to the Mexican border just a few miles away, with items like Huevos Rancheros – eggs cooked in a Mexican salsa.

Lunch is served until 3pm, and after that the menu is limited. Bu the selections before 3pm are extensive, with salads, soups, sandwiches, pizza, and more Mexican options like quesadillas, tacos, and burritos. The lunch menu I have found to be hit or miss. The Spinach Burger is dish not to miss – fresh, unique, and totally delish. But the Spicy Eggplant Sandwich always seems to fall short of my expectations by skimping on the toppings.

There is always a barista (or two or three) on duty to make the extensive coffee and hot drink menu. The basics are covered, as well as a few regional specialties like Mexican Hot Chocolate, and of course the 9-7-6 specialties like the 9-7-6 (espresso, white chocolate, hazelnut, and milk), the Almond Joy (espresso, chocolate, coconut, almond, and milk), and many more. They serve locally mixed teas that are loose-leaf teas placed into a large bleach-free tea bag just before serving. The tea selection is extensive and unlike many coffee shops the baristas know how to make a good cup of tea. My favorite is the Cherry Sakura – a Japanese green tea with cheery flavor. Just don’t over brew it after you get to your table or it will become bitter.

Also of note is the newly refurbished décor, both inside and out. The café is inside an old house, with a huge patios dining area surrounded by flowers and many native plants. The wooden chairs outside have recently been repainted with a rainbow of bright colors. The inside has also been redone with new paint in bright pastels, and new counter that retains the same homey feeling, but more easily services the customers.

The walls have always been home to rotating art by local artists, and that is the same after the re-painting. In the hallways and restroom there is a permanent collection of old photographs of Pacific Beach, including one of the hosue that is no 9-7-6!

On a sunny day be sure to grab a table outside. If it’s chilly I recommend the sunny nook with booths inside, although it’s usually taken!


Cafe 976
976 Felspar Street (at Cass St)
San Diego, CA 92109
858-272-0976